Android

Android 16: An early arrival and a glimpse into the future and Eclipsa Audio set to revolutionize audio experiences

Published

2 months ago

January 19, 2025

The world of audio is on the cusp of a significant transformation, thanks to a collaborative effort by Google and Samsung. They’ve unveiled Eclipsa Audio, an open-source spatial audio format poised to democratize immersive sound experiences for creators and consumers alike. This isn’t just an incremental improvement; it’s a fundamental shift in how we create and consume audio.

For decades, crafting spatial audio has been the domain of seasoned professionals working in high-budget film and music productions. The tools and expertise required were simply inaccessible to the average creator. Eclipsa Audio aims to change all of that. Built on the foundation of Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF), an audio format developed in conjunction with the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), Eclipsa Audio offers a royalty-free, open standard for anyone to utilize. This means that aspiring musicians, independent filmmakers, and even casual content creators can now easily incorporate rich, three-dimensional audio into their work.

Google’s Open Audio team emphasizes that while spatial audio technology has existed for over half a century, its widespread adoption has been hampered by a lack of accessible tools. Eclipsa Audio directly addresses this challenge by providing freely available tools for creating immersive audio experiences.

This includes an open-source reference renderer for standalone playback, and a Binaural Web Demo Application where users can test their Eclipsa Audio creations directly in their web browsers. Furthermore, Google plans to release a free Eclipsa Audio plugin for the industry-standard AVID Pro Tools Digital Audio Workstation in the spring, further streamlining the creation process for professionals.

The implications of this technology are far-reaching. Imagine experiencing a live concert recording where you can distinctly hear the position of each instrument on the stage, or watching a movie where the sound of rain realistically surrounds you. This level of immersion was previously reserved for high-end setups, but Eclipsa Audio makes it accessible to a wider audience.

YouTube has already announced its support for Eclipsa Audio, paving the way for creators to upload videos with immersive soundscapes. This integration will undoubtedly usher in a new era of online video content, where audio plays an even more crucial role in storytelling. Beyond online platforms, Eclipsa Audio is also making its way into consumer electronics. Samsung’s 2025 TV lineup, including the Crystal UHD series and Neo QLED 8K models, will feature native Eclipsa Audio playback. Google has also confirmed that Chrome will support the format this year, although specific details regarding desktop and mobile support are still forthcoming. Looking ahead, Google anticipates widespread adoption of Eclipsa Audio in TVs and soundbars from various manufacturers later in 2025.

To ensure quality and interoperability, Samsung and Google are establishing a certification and brand licensing program for products supporting Eclipsa Audio. This program will provide assurance to both manufacturers and consumers that devices bearing the Eclipsa Audio logo meet the necessary standards for optimal playback.

Android 16: An Early Arrival and a Glimpse into the Future

In related news, Google is accelerating the release schedule for its next major Android platform upgrade, Android 16. The first developer preview arrived earlier than usual last November, followed by another preview build. Beta testing is expected to commence soon, and while official release dates haven’t been formally announced, a slip-up on the Android Gerrit may have revealed some key information.

According to the official Android 16 release timeline, beta testing will begin this month, with subsequent beta releases planned for February and March. However, a comment spotted by an Android enthusiast on the Android Gerrit suggests more specific dates. The comment indicates that Android 16 Beta 3 will be released on March 12th. The same comment also mentions January 22nd and February 19th, which could potentially be the release dates for Beta 1 and Beta 2, respectively.

The release of Beta 3 signifies a crucial milestone known as Platform Stability. This means that the core APIs and behaviors of the operating system are finalized, allowing developers to begin preparing their apps for the stable release. Following Beta 3, Google may release additional beta builds in April and May for final testing and refinement. The stable version of Android 16 is expected to be released to AOSP and Pixel devices in the second quarter of 2025.

Android 16 is anticipated to bring a host of new features and improvements to the Android ecosystem. While details are still emerging, early leaks and announcements hint at significant changes across various aspects of the operating system.

The convergence of Eclipsa Audio and Android 16 represents a significant leap forward in mobile technology. The combination of immersive audio experiences and a refined operating system promises to enhance the way we interact with our devices, ushering in a new era of mobile computing.

Android

New Android Auto update brings games with a catch

Published

9 hours ago

April 4, 2025

Tom Carter

Google is rolling out a fun update for Android Auto, adding games to keep drivers entertained. This change, spotted in the latest Android Auto version (12.0), lets users play simple games right on their car’s screen. However, there’s a small twist: you’ll need to connect your phone to the car with a USB cable.

The update includes a “GameSnacks” feature, which offers quick, easy-to-play games. These are perfect for passing the time during a long wait, like at a charging station or in traffic. The games are lightweight and designed to work smoothly without needing a strong internet connection. But here’s the key detail—wireless Android Auto won’t support this. You must plug in your phone using a cable to enjoy them.

Why the cable rule? It seems Google wants to ensure a stable connection for the games to run well. Wireless setups can sometimes lag or drop, which could ruin the fun. Plus, a wired link might help save battery life on your phone while you play. For now, only a few users have this feature, as Google is testing it slowly.

This isn’t the first time Android Auto has added extras. Over the years, it’s grown from just maps and music to a full dashboard with apps and now games. Still, some might wonder if games could distract drivers. Google likely thought of that, so the feature only works when the car is parked.

If you’re excited to try this, check your Android Auto app for version 12.0. Grab a USB cable, plug in, and see if GameSnacks pops up. It’s a small addition, but it could make those boring waits a lot more fun!

Android

Android 16 brings simpler app controls

Published

23 hours ago

April 3, 2025

Tom Carter

Google is working on Android 16, and it’s set to make managing apps easier than ever. A new feature spotted in the latest test version lets you tweak app settings right from the app’s info page. This means less digging through menus to change how an app works on your phone.

In the current Android setup, if you want to adjust things like permissions or notifications, you often have to jump between different screens. It’s not hard, but it can feel like a chore. With Android 16, everything you need—permissions, data use, and more—will be in one spot. For example, you could quickly turn off an app’s access to your camera or check how much battery it’s eating up, all without leaving that page.

This change comes from something called “App Settings Panels,” which Google is testing now. It’s not live for everyone yet, but it’s a sign of what’s coming. The idea is to save you time and make your phone feel smoother to use. Imagine opening an app’s info and seeing all the key options laid out simply—no extra taps needed.

There’s more good news: Android 16 might roll out sooner than usual. Some rumors say Google could drop it as early as June 2025, instead of the typical fall release. That’s because they’re speeding up how they build and test updates. Of course, this is still in the works, so the exact date could shift.

For anyone who loves keeping their phone just right, this update looks like a win. Fewer steps to control apps mean less hassle and more time enjoying your device. Keep an eye out—Android 16 could change how you handle your apps for the better!

Android

Android 16 Beta 3.2: What’s new and improved

Published

1 day ago

April 3, 2025

Tom Carter

Google has just rolled out Android 16 Beta 3.2, a small update that fixes some bugs and boosts performance for testers. This version comes after Beta 3, focusing on making the system smoother and more reliable. It’s part of Google’s plan to get Android 16 ready for everyone later this year.

This update tackles a few annoying issues. It fixes a glitch that made notifications act weird, like not showing up right or disappearing too fast. It also solves a problem where apps would crash when trying to open certain files. Plus, it improves how the battery lasts by tweaking how apps use power in the background.

For people testing this beta on Pixel phones, the update is easy to grab. Just head to the settings, check for updates, and download it. It’s about 500 MB, so it won’t take long. Google says this is one of the last beta versions before the big launch, so it’s a good chance to see what’s coming. Android 16 is shaping up to be faster and more user-friendly. With these fixes, Google is working hard to make sure it runs great when it finally arrives!